Gov. Makinde Under Fire As Ibadan Students Learn In Unsafe Condition After Wind Destroyed Classrooms

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has come under heavy criticism following the deplorable condition of Zumratul Hujaj Community Grammar School, Olorunsogo, Ibadan, where students are reportedly learning in overcrowded and hazardous classrooms after a block of two classrooms collapsed due to a heavy windstorm.

The affected structure, which has remained in ruins for months, is now overrun by bush and debris, with no visible sign of intervention from the state government.

Despite the state allocating ₦149.6bn to the education sector in the 2025 budget — the second-highest sectoral allocation, the school remains unattended to, raising serious concerns over the government’s commitment to improving basic education infrastructure across the state.

A civic technology organisation, Monitng, in a statement issued on Tuesday, berated the government’s failure to respond to the school’s plight, describing it as “a reflection of ongoing neglect of public education in Oyo State.”

“This is a call for action,” the statement read in part. The government’s focus appears to have shifted to irrelevant projects, leaving critical infrastructure like classrooms in a state of ruin. It is appalling that children are still subjected to such harsh and unsafe learning environments,” the group said.

The group called on Governor Makinde to prioritise educational development, warning that the continued neglect of public schools would have long-term consequences on the academic growth and well-being of pupils.

A visit to the school revealed that dozens of students are currently crammed into the remaining classrooms, many of which are in poor condition, lacking proper ventilation and structural stability.

Teachers who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity expressed frustration, saying they have made several appeals to authorities without receiving any response.

“Our students are suffering. There are too many of them in one class now, and the risk is high. If another building goes down, it could be fatal,” one teacher said.

Parents of affected students have also lamented the situation, calling on the government to immediately rebuild the collapsed block and provide safer learning conditions for their children.

As of the time of filing this report, officials from the Oyo State Ministry of Education had yet to respond to inquiries on whether any action plan has been put in place to address the situation at Zumratul Hujaj Community Grammar School.